White Plains wrestlers shine at Tiger Invitational, crown two champs

The White Plains High School wrestling team pinned down a powerhouse performance this past weekend -- finishing third out of 12 teams at the annual White Plains Tiger Invitational, where 12 of the athletes placed in the top eight of their weight classes, including four finalists and two champions.

Head varsity coach Benjamin Karol, who launched the tournament three years ago, praised the team members – one of whom, Juan Orzuna, received the Most Outstanding Wrestler Award for the tournament – and the tight-knit wrestling community.

“Our wrestlers competed hard, and our families and teammates made the tournament a great success by running concessions, working the score clocks and supporting every aspect of the event,” he said.

“We could not have done this without them, along with our Athletic Department and school staff,” added Coach Karol, who noted that the tournament was expanded from 10 teams to a dozen. “On the mats, the Tigers delivered across the board.” 

The team made their strong showing in the first year the tournament shifted to an individual pooled format. For the first two years, the tournament was a dual meet event where WPHS finished in second place.

Tournament Place Finishers

1st Place – Champions:

• Basile Paulose (12th), 118 lbs
• Juan Orzuna (11th), 285 lbs. He also received the Most Outstanding Wrestler Award for the tournament. 

2nd Place – Finalists:

• Jamaal Wells (12th), 144 lbs
• Lionel Torres Martinez (10th), 285 lbs

3rd Place:

• Eriberto Ibanez (11th), 103 lbs

4th Place:

• Charlie Bowman (10th), 138 lbs
• Jaiden Rose-Lulanaj (11th), 132 lbs

5th Place:

• Justin Milianta (12th), 175 lbs

6th Place:

• Dennis Huyhua (9th), 103 lbs
• Nick Troiani (12th), 157 lbs

8th Place:

• Ethan Gadsden (12th), 215 lbs
• Jackson Amenedo (9th), 126 lbs